The Waterwalker is an inflatable SUP and probably the most beautiful beginner paddle board on our list. The Waterwalker has a simulated bamboo deck. Its not real bamboo of course but it really does look like it.

Now that’s not why you want this board….

First paddle with the Waterwalker in Fort DeSoto, Florida

The Waterwalker is an excellent beginner board at 10 ½ feet long and 31 inches wide, it is also available in an 11 ft version that is 32 inches wide, so it will be even more stable. (I was using the 10’6″ model)

It’s a complete package, that includes the board, inflation pump, a paddle with a carbon fiber shaft, a carry backpack and a small deck bag.

Everything you need is included to get out on the water, at a VERY reasonable price!

THURSO SURF Waterwalker Stand Up Paddle Board

If features military grade PVC construction and drop stitch construction. The deck of the board has a soft, non slip EVA foam traction pad for all day comfort.

The carbon fiber paddle is a nice upgrade from the standard aluminum paddles included with most paddle boards.

Thurso even included a leash, this is a necessity in my opinion. If you fall off the board, the board can’t get away from you. With 3 fins, the board tracks well and 6” inches thick it is incredibly rigid when inflated to 10-15 PSI.

Carbon Fiber Paddle

But honestly when I inflate it, I only go to about 6-7 pounds or so. Its plenty rigid for me at that PSI, but that’s a personal preference.

I really like the fact they included a quality backpack. If you need to transport the SUP any distance, you will really appreciate having one.

Thurso Surf stands behind the board with a full 2 year warranty! If there are any manufacturers defects, they will happily replace the board.

Video: First paddle on the Thurso Surf Waterwalker iSUP

The Thurso Waterwalker is a VERY stable paddle board and in my opinion, the best paddle board for beginners!

Tower is probably the best known name in inflatable paddle boards and for good reason. The Adventurer is an excellent beginner paddle board because it very stable at 32 inches wide.

It is made from Tower’s military grade PVC and drop stitch construction that gives it a incredible rigidity.

Why does that matter?

Because the more rigid the paddle board the easier it is to paddle.

The Adventurer has rounded nose which adds to stability but means its not going to be a fast board. At slightly under 10 feet its highly maneuverable, ideal for beginning boarders to learn on.

With a weight capacity of 350 pounds it has the highest of any on our list. More than enough for another rider or bring your dog along! No reason to leave him behind.

Even at a bargain price it comes with a lightweight fiberglass paddle that is suitable for all day paddling. The high volume pump inflates the board in less than 3 minutes. Time from car to water is less than 5 minutes!

I like the fact they included a 3 fin design so the board tracks well, important for beginning paddlers. I would have liked to see Tower include a carry bag.

While not as colorful or flashy as some of the other boards on our list, it has a classic look and with hundreds of 5 star reviews on Amazon, I’m not the only one who thinks this is an excellent board.

Tower has one of the longest warranties on the market with a full 2 years warranty against manufactures defects. With Tower, you know they will be around to honor it. The Adventurer is one of the best SUPs for beginners at a reasonable price.

Next on our list of best paddle boards for beginners is one by ISLE, one of the original manufacturers of paddle boards. This is a “traditional” solid epoxy SUP that is an ideal beginner board at 10 ½ feet long and 32 inches wide.

Its highly maneuverable and stable, perfect for beginners!

The EPS foam core makes for a very rigid board so its easy to paddle. Keep in mind with the solid type SUP you have to be more careful with it.

They will scratch and chip, unlike an inflatable.

Well discuss how to choose between them in our guide. ISLE includes a nice carbon fiber shaft paddle that is lightweight and well made. There is one center fin for tracking and keep the board in a straight line.

Being an solid epoxy board, it is slightly faster and easier to paddle than a comparable sized inflatable SUP.

ISLE Versa Beginner Standup Paddle Board

The foam deck traction pad is thick and comfortable which is nice for all day paddling and if you fall on it. Being a beginner, you will probably have a few falls…

The board has a comfort grip handle in the center of the board so you can transport it easily to the water.

No inflation required!

This is an excellent beginner board package, I would recommend you get a leash for it. The Versa is primarily designed for paddling on flat water to small waves and perfect for beginners.

Inflatable SUPs can be inflated and ready to go in 2-3 minutes. Even less if you use an electric pump. You can go from car to the water in about 5 minutes.

Traveling and want to take your SUP? iSUPS can be checked for the standard baggage fee (or fly Southwest and its free) and you won’t have to rent one.

Durability – Modern “military grade” PVC is incredibly tough. They are almost impossible to puncture. Sticks, rocks or coral will not pop them. They also do not chip, crack, dent or scratch like a solid paddle board.

Storage – iSUPS are not only easier to transport, they are easier to store. The ability to store one in a closet is a huge advantage. If you live in a small apt, this makes an iSUP almost a no-brainer!

More Forgiving – Falling on a solid paddle board can be painful. The solid construction that makes them rigid and makes them more painful if you fall on one. While a iSUP is a little softer and will hurt less if you fall on it.

Cons of an Inflatable SUP

Setup – No escaping this one. You need to inflate them, while it might take as few as 2-3 minutes if you go hard at it. You always need to bring pump along. Plus, you then need to deflate it and put it back in its carry bag.

Speed – Being they are usually thicker and less rigid, they are slower than a comparable solid paddle board.

Surfing – If you want to get into surfing, an inflatable paddle board by its design has a fatter more curved rail which makes it more difficult to carve turns.

Pros of an Solid SUP

Setup – No inflation required. As soon as you take it off your vehicle your ready to go. Put it the water and your off! No deflation required either. If you are next to the water and don’t need to transport your SUP, you will probably be better off with a solid SUP.

Speed – No way around it, a solid SUP is always going to be faster due to its extra rigidity. They make better touring SUPs and if your paddling around all day you are likely to get less fatigued.

Surfing – Planning on surfing some waves? A solid SUP is always going to outperform a iSUP. They will be easier to turn and maneuver.

Cons of Solid SUP

Storage and Transport – Unless you live next to the water, your going to have to transport your paddle board. This will involve a rack of some sort. If you with a solid SUP, here are my recommended paddle board roof racks.

This will require you to lift and strap in on the car. While SUPs are not typically that heavy, if you have any back or shoulder problems this maybe be an issue.

Durability – Being made from fiberglass/epoxy they can be scratched and dented fairly easily. You have to be more careful with them as compared to an iSUP.

Paddle Board Design Characteristics

If you have started looking at SUPs you may have noticed that there are quite a few types, shapes, lengths and widths available.

Don’t worry it’s not that complicated, we’ll break it down for you so you can better understand paddle boards and what to look for.

Length

Paddle boards range in length from about 8 feet all the way to 15ft or more.

< 9 Feet – These boards are easy to steer and maneuver. If you think you will try surfing with it, a shorter board is ideal. They are harder to keep in a straight line and are slower than a longer board.

9 to 12 Feet – This is the “typical” size paddle board. For a beginner paddler this is the length you should be considering. While not as fast as a touring board or as maneuverable as a shorter board, they do everything well!

12 Feet and longer – This length of board is meant for racing or “touring”. Maneuverability is not the key, its speed and tracking. These longer boards are faster but harder to steer. I would not recommend this type for your first paddle board.

Thickness

Somewhat more important with inflatable SUPs, they come in either 4” or 6” thicknesses. With the 6” variety much more common because they are usually much more rigid and have less flex than a 4”.

The only downside of a 6” model is the higher center of gravity but this is offset by the extra rigidity they have.

Solid core SUPs are normally between 4-5 inches thick. They don’t need to be as thick due to the construction materials used, a solid EPS foam core along with up to 3 stringers.

Width

The width of the board is the primary factor in how stable it is. Pretty simple!

Narrow < 30” or less: A narrow paddle board will be faster because they cut through the water easier but give up stability. Not recommended for beginners.

Wide > 31” or more: Wider paddle boards will be more stable and easier to keep your balance on, without feeling like you will tip over.

Wider is better for beginners, simple as that!

Nose Rocker

Rocker as the name implies is the shape of the front of the paddle board. The rocker is how angled up the nose is. It’s most important when you are paddling in rougher water or when you are surfing. A SUP with less rocker will tend to submerge or dive under the water in waves.

Hull

There are two basic types of hull designs for paddle boards:

Planing Hull: The most common type found in SUPs, especially beginner paddle boards. This type of hull is flat with a rounded type nose and tends to be very stable and less “tippy”. It’s a good option for a beginner in flat water to small waves.

Displacement Hull: More commonly found on kayaks, this type of hull is more “V” shaped with a more pointed nose. This hull style is idea for a racing or touring SUP. Not ideal for beginner boards because they are not as stable.

Fins

2+1 Fin Setup

Fins aid in tracking or the ability to keep the paddle board in a straight line. As a rule of thumb the longer the fins, the easier it is to keep straight. The tradeoff is a longer fin makes it harder to turn.

There are a variety of fin combinations available for SUPs:

A single center fin: A common configuration is one larger fin in the center of the board. This is a good setup for flatwater paddling.

Three Fin Setup: In this configuration three larger fins of about the same size provide excellent tracking and a good choice for flat water and carving good turns while surfing.

Two + One Setup: This is a very common configuration for inflatable SUPS. It consists of a larger center fin and two smaller fins on each side. This is a good compromise for tracking and maneuverability.

iSUP Fins: Inflatable paddleboards normally have either the single fin or the 2+1 fin configuration. They are different in that the larger center fin is easily removable and two smaller fins are flexible so the board can be rolled up.

Paddle Board Accessories

Paddle – Not an option, you need to have a paddle! Many beginner paddle boards come with an adjustable paddle. Typically they are not the best available. As you get more experienced you will probably want to upgrade to a lighter all carbon fiber paddle. They make paddling easier and less tiring over the course of the day.

PFD/Life Jacket – You should always keep a PFD with you. It may be required by law, depending on what state you live in. If you don’t want to wear it, at least strap one down under some bungee cords. Best option? Wear an inflatable PFD that is light and doesn’t get in the way. Read my reviews of PFDs here.

SUP Leash – This is definitely something you will want to have attached at all times. The leash will keep the board within a few feet of you.

Roof Rack – Most likely only needed if you go with a solid SUP but if you are using an inflatable SUP everyday you may just want to leave it inflated and transport it on a roof rack.

Backpack – Only necessary with an inflatable of course but if you have to hike any distance with your iSUP, a backpack will be invaluable!

Electric Pump – Tired of inflating your iSUP with a pump? Get a electric pump, plug it into your accessory outlet in your car and let it do the work.

FAQ About Beginner Paddle Boards

Q: Can I paddle while sitting on the SUP?

A: Absolutely, in fact that’s how you should learn by kneeling on the board and getting comfortable before you try standing up.

Q: Which SUP is better for me, a solid or inflatable?

A: Well it really depends on your situation. Do you have room to store the board? Do you want to carry a SUP on the roof of your car? Do you live right next to the water. By answering these questions you should be able easily figure out which is better for you.

Q: What is drop stitch construction?

A: This is unique to iSUPS and is how they are able to be so rigid. It refers to the fibers that connect the upper and lower portion of the SUP to keep it rigid.

Q: What size SUP should I get?

A: Getting the proper size SUP is usually determined by your weight but there is are no hard and fast size rules because SUPs vary not only by length, but also width and thickness. You need to consult the manufacturers recommended weight capacity for the SUP.

Q: Can more than one person ride a SUP?

A: Absolutely, you are just limited by the size of the board and its weight capacity. Its a fun activity to do with a friend or family member. Don’t forget about your dog!

Best Brands of Beginner Paddle Boards

Paddle boarding has exploded in popularity and as a result there are a lot of brands of paddle boards. Many are newcomers and unknowns. You are better off sticking with manufacturers that have been around and have good reputations that can honor their warranty should you have a problem.

Tower – Probably the best known brand of inflatable paddle board. They have been around for over 5 years and have the backing of Mark Cuban so you can be assured they will be around!

ISLE – Founded in San Diego by Marc Miller & Doug Pate, they specialize in only making quality surf and paddle boards.

BIC – Yes this is the same company that makes the disposable lighters! They have a huge line up of water sports equipment. With the backing of a large company you can be assured they will be around!

Ten Toes – Specializing in only paddle boards and skate boards. They make some of the best beginner SUPs on the market.

Thurso Surf – All they make are inflatable paddle boards and bodyboards. They have an excellent line up of beginner to racing iSUPs.

I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best beginner paddle board to fit your needs. If you want to comment or recommend a SUP I didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch.

Have fun and and stay safe!

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About Richard

I work part time as an IT security consultant. Luckily I can work from anywhere so I go back and forth between Colorado and Florida.
I get my fix of skiing, hiking and camping in Colorado in the Dillion area, and when I am in Florida you can usually find me on the water either paddleboarding or kayaking.
My recent passion is scuba diving, I got certified a few years ago and "get wet" as frequently as I can.